I am a firm believe that sampling a fragrance before purchasing it is a necessity. That would seem like a no-brainer but retail isn’t set up to accommodate that. In my experience, often, a quick spritz is all you can expect. It’s likely it’s cost prohibitive but some offer it without hesitation. It’s also likely that some retailers believe if they give you a sample vial, you won’t buy. I was in Sephora once and overheard a guy asking for a sample and inquiring about how long it would last. Was his intention to buy or to wear free samples for as long as he could? Who really knows. The bottom line, don’t buy without sampling is my mantra. Through sampling, you’ll experience your “Aha Moment,” which will determine if you want to own a fragrance or not.

When Scentbird approached me about their sampling program, I said, it’s about time somebody offered this service. As they so eloquently state, Scentbird was designed for the pickiest girl- or boy- to let you date luxury perfumes before marrying them.” Wait, what? With over 450 fragrances to choose from, you can purchase a sample of either designer of niche fragrance for $14.95 a month. The intent here is a subscription service, where you’ll receive a new sample every month but you can cancel at any time or pay as you go. Here’s the added bonus, the samples are more generous than what you’ll find in a store. 30 days worth (8ml.) is how long they estimate the sample will last. If you’re an excessive spritzer, don’t expect it to last that long. You also get a cool carrying case that any of their vials can hold in.

Scentbird really is a win in my book. You’re headed out on vacation in a few months and have been wanting to try the new XYZ scent. Check them out on Scentbird, order a vile or two, throw them in your carry on and by the time you return home, you’ll know if you’re ready for a full bottle.

Head over to Scentbird, check out their FAQs, get to sampling and await your Aha Moment.

I recently started going to the gym again. I’m paying a more than I have for my membership but the experience is worth it. One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is guys either having to much grooming products or relying on whatever maybe thrown together by the gym. I’m all for a lighter bag. Not having to carry around a towel is beautiful amenity. One thing I won’t skip on though are my essential products. Call it what you want but after a great workout and a long day ahead of me, it makes all the difference. Below are a few my must haves for your consideration.

Lucky Tiger Liquid Shave Cream – While I love using my badger brush, even I know when to leave it home. I love this shave cream because even with my hands I get a nice lather but more importantly, its ingredients moisturize the skin and gives the razor a super easy glide.

Crown Shaving Co After Shave Balm – Ever since I tried Crown Shaving Co., I’ve been hooked. Boasting traditional formulations and masculine marketing efforts, these guys know shaving and know how to take care your skin while doing it. The balm isn’t super thick and doesn’t leave my face greasy. Makes a difference when your metabolism is still revving and while rushing so you won’t be late, you find yourself sweating.

Curel Itch Defense Moisturizing Spray – It’s easy in the rush to forget to apply lotion and if you happen to remember, what’s provided at most gyms smells medicinal. Believe it or not, spraying the lotion actually shaves time off getting ready but what I love about Curel Itch Defense Moisturizing Spray is it absorbs into the skin super fast, isn’t greasy or heavy and most importantly for a scent enthusiast like me, it doesn’t compete with my cologne choice of the day. It’s just what I need to keep the ash away.

Degree Motionsense Dryspray – Not that I need protection for 48hrs (God forbid that amount of time passes and I haven’t showered…can you say ewww) but after an arduous day, I find this deordorant is still going strong. Works for me!

Bevel Razor– balanced weight, extra long handle, never looses its grip…never leave home with it. (Disclosure, I am a freelance writer for Bevel. My decision, however, to use it daily is because it’s really a great razor.)

Musc Imperial by Atelier Colgone – I will admit, this is the one thing that changes regularly. I’m not a signature scent kind of guy, as I love variety. If I was, however, this is one I’d chose to go with. I’ve been a fan of the Atelier Cologne brand for a very long time as I’ve never been disappointed by their scents. Developed as the signature scent of the Majestic Hotel & Spa in Barcelona I find this simply magnificent. If this is in part a reminder of Barcelona, I want to go. This reads traditional to me. I think of well-dressed Barcelona men that make me want to wear a suit. It opens sweet and clean and right away I pick up the lavender and fig. As it develops the leather, woods and musk kick in. Its longevity is incredible as is the case with all of Atelier Cologne’s fragrances. When I’m headed out on a business trip, I usually throw Oolang Infini into my dopp kit. Musc Imperial is now a no brainer for gym bags and business trips.

For as long as I can remember, scent has always been a finishing detail. I clean my apartment and a great candle seals the deal. If I’m entertaining, I want something fragrant to welcome my guests. And if I’m getting dressed for any occasion, even the most mundane, I’m spritzing something on me. To that latter point, I present today’s group post – my scent colleagues, Candy Boy Perfume, Eyelineronacat, Olfactoria’s travels, Persolaise and I are pairing fashion with scents. What follows are a few looks I’ve pulled from around the web and imagined its ideal scent.

I love a good “white pants” look and Sabir from mensstylepro.com does it well. Pairing it with a chambray shirt and safari jacket this simple but chic get up will have him standing out in the crowd for sure. That said, an accompanying scent need not compete and I think Phaedon’s Pure Azure would suit this look well.

Clean without being overly soapy, Pure Azure starts out with a burst of fig and the sweetness of orange blossom. It has an airy quality and I like it for those perfect days when the sun is beaming and a constant breeze keeps you inside. By the time it begins to dry down and the warmth of the vanilla and tonka beans present themselves, don’t be surprised if she seems to be getting closer.

I love color as it brings life to anything, especially when it pops. That’s probably why this look from Seize Sur Vingt jumped off the page at me. Sure a dark blazer with a light colored bottom screams preppy but paired with this plaid shirt and it’s beautiful use of orange, this look is quickly remixed and updated. For that I’d have to pair this with something from Thirdman’s collection. I love how they have flipped citrus-based scents and given them new life. For this look, I’d choose Eau Profonde. Light and airy, it opens with a fresh new take on amber. It’s gorgeously refreshing. What I love most is that beautiful opening will be with you at the end of the day.

That tie and pocket square does wonders for this blue suit. The look is fresh and modern. Is he a banker or an ad exec? Who care…he’s sharp and deserves a modern man’s scent – Ormonde Man. Beautifully masculine without the old world bravado, this scent is rich and subtle, possesses touches of sweetness and moments of spice in unexpected ways. It’s fantastic from open to close and gets better as the day gets older.

Understated but chic. Rugged but clean. It just works. That’s how I feel about Azzaro Chrome United.

For men’s magazines, March and September are big issues. It’s usually when you’ll see the most fashion coverage and they distill seasonal trends. Its a must read if you like to be in the know about that sort of stuff. I, however, look forward to the June issue of Men’s Health as it’s when they conduct their annual Grooming Awards.

Each year, Men’s Health consults a panel of grooming and fragrance aficionados to seek out the best products in myriad categories. What you’re left with is an excellent list products worthy of your consideration.

For the past few years, Brian Boye has asked me to contribute to the fragrance category and I look forward to it. Where else are you going to get all of these products in one issue? This year, he sought out my opinion on how much fragrance one should apply, in addition to other topics, and I’m quoted in the issue.

A few years ago, I went to Paris for the first time and I recall thinking these people look good. Lapels flapped in the wind differently, stilettos were paired with everything differently, and even a drag from a cigarette was different. It all seemed sexier. Was it a figment of my imagination, perhaps? But the scenery didn’t help either. Continue reading →

When I was a teen, I owned a Brooklyn Dodgers baseball cap and it was one of my favorite possessions. It was royal blue with a white B emblazoned on the front. Barney Bishop wearing a B on his cap. Need I say more? What I remember most, however, was the quest to have the perfect bend in the brim. You see, back then a well bent brim signaled the cap was lived in it. Its weathered appeal was what we sought. I spent hours bending it just to get it perfect. Continue reading →